Concert Band - GRADE 3

The Aerialist was composed in a traditional concert march style which was made popular by American and British composers in the mid - to late 1800s. The style is one that grew out of the circus music of the day. The Aerialist was modeled after "The Gladiator" by John Philip Sousa, composed in 1886. The Gladiator was Sousa’s breakthrough march, selling more than one million copies, a record for that time.

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An aerialist is a person who performs acrobatics high up in the air on a tightrope, trapeze, ropes, or aerial silks, or even stunt planes. These fine athletes must have amazing strength, flexibility, and grace in order to perform such daring and beautiful feats.